Why/How Do I Continue to Believe in God?

I had a very good friend of mine ask me this question recently.

I did my best to give an accurate/appropriate response, but we ran out of time and the party went on.

Since then, however, I have not been able to shake his question. It is one I have rarely, if ever, inquired of myself.

I have (almost) always been confident in my faith, but why/how did I get to that point? Was it a product of my upbringing as a pastor's child? Sure, that definitely played a major part, but why (as an adult) have I continued to hold onto the belief in God despite doubts and tribulation?

My good friend (you know who you are); you have gratefully caused me to think, deeply. I wish I could have given you a more precise answer when you originally asked, but honestly; I was not sure myself. At least I did not know exactly how to put it into words well enough. I do not remember, exactly, how I responded, but here are my thoughts since then. (I will not try to get too technical or 'Christian' here, because that is for a different blog, at a different time.)

I continue to believe, because when I reflect on my past I cannot help to attribute where I am now to mere chance, or a product of my own design. To leave it to chance would cheapen my gratitude.

Grace, to me, means so much more than mere chance. To leave my life in the slippery hands of luck would give me a more flippant perspective on life and it's consequences. I would not care about the decisions that I made because 'my luck would not have ran out', yet.

But to believe in grace is to surrender to the mercy of One who has both the right and authority to save, or damn, me as He wills toward my ultimate good. It is not just 'a roll of the die'. What I mean is: I believe in a Father that has always had my best interest in mind. His law was written for my ultimate benefit. His law was written in Love, and when I break His law; He has provided grace to cover my transgressions.

It is not fair. That is why I am forever grateful. Love (God) has always, and will forever, have my best interest in mind.

Believing in Love (God), also gives me a responsibility to live in Love myself.

To step outside the bounds of Love is to sin.

That is where we find all consequence. This is the source of all our grief.

To submit to Love Unconditional is to accept, graciously, the responsibility of reciprocating that Love as best as we can toward our fellow man.

I continue to believe in Love (God) because, even when I fail miserably, which I often do; I know that there is mercy (another day, another chance).

This Love is what I try my best to mirror because everyone craves/needs it. Without this perspective, and without drawing on Love (God) outside myself; I would not be capable of extending the Love that everyone craves/needs without my own selfish motivations.